PRESS BOX.

Rivals: Merger time not right

July 17, 2004|By Tribune news services.

A single series would be best for open-wheel racing, but the time is not right for a merger between Champ Car and the Indy Racing League, the rivals said in a joint statement, although both sides didn't rule out a future resolution.

Champ Car and IRL said in a news release that no more meetings were planned though "both parties believe that each has a better understanding of where common ground exists."

- Buddy Rice grabbed his second straight pole and fourth this year with a lap of 201.231 m.p.h. at Nashville Superspeedway in preparation for Saturday's IRL Firestone 200..